Let’s put it out there quickly, “Sonic The Hedgehog” films—about the young anthropomorphic creatures that run at lightning speeds and become heroes of Earth—are no cinematic marvels or blockbuster essentials, and they’re arguably not super memorable either. But for what they are—light, charming escapes for kids that aren’t a chore to sit through for adults thanks to their breezy pace and charismatic actors — they’re fine little diversions (Jim Carrey and Ben Schwartz being effective in their roles as quippy villains and heroes).

Continue reading ‘Knuckles’ Review: ‘Sonic’ Spin-Off Sidelines The Main Character Revealing Limitations Of Franchise TV at The Playlist.

As Netflix readies “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley” for its premiere on the streamer, another Eddie Murphy vehicle emerges. And this one doesn’t see Murphy reprise an old favorite role of his, like “Axel Foley” or “Coming 2 America.” Instead, Variety reports that the actor-comedian will take over a role previously played by comedy legends like Peter Sellers and Steve Martin.

Continue reading ‘The Pink Panther’: Eddie Murphy In Talks To Be The New Inspector Clouseau In MGM’s Upcoming Reboot at The Playlist.

Did the world ask for a sequel to 2020’s “Sonic The Hedgehog?” All things considered in the world arena, probably not. However, before COVID-19 shut down the globe last March, Jeff Fowler‘s directorial debut raked in nearly $320 million on a $90 million budget. In studio logic, that’s grounds for a follow-up–even if audiences really, really don’t need it.

READ MORE: ‘Sonic The Hedgehog 2’: Idris Elba Announces He’ll Voice Knuckles 

Still, the main rule of the sequels is to up the ante of its predecessor.

Continue reading ‘Sonic The Hedgehog 2’ Trailer: Sonic & Tails Team Up To Take On Dr. Robotnik & Knuckles This April at The Playlist.

British actor Idris Elba is having a bit of a moment after the release of James Gunn‘s “The Suicide Squad” as his character Bloodsport is one of the highlights of the new DC Comics characters in the well-received R-rated sequel.

READ MORE: The Suicide Squad’: James Gunn Inspires The DC Universe With Gnarly Irreverence, Superhero Subversion & A Big Beating Heart [Review]

Well, Elba has landed another key role in another fan-driven studio sequel, as he announced on Twitter that he’ll voice the CGI-animated character Knuckles (A red anthropomorphic short-beaked echidna) in Paramount Pictures‘ kid-friendly “Sonic The Hedgehog 2,” which is currently in post-production after filming in Vancouver.

Continue reading ‘Sonic The Hedgehog 2’: Idris Elba Announces He’ll Voice Knuckles at The Playlist.

While 2020 has been a shitshow for most of the film industry thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been two surprise success stories— “Bad Boys for Life” and “Sonic the Hedgehog.” One of those films is a sequel two decades in the making that was far from a guaranteed hit and is still the #1 movie of the year. The other is a video game adaptation that had the worst marketing campaign of 2019 and somehow became a hit with fans and critics alike.

Continue reading New, Completely Reimagined ‘Pink Panther’ Film Coming From The Director Of ‘Sonic The Hedgehog’ at The Playlist.

After what might go down as one of the most embarrassing marketing blunders in recent memory, with a trailer that was universally ridiculed by moviegoers, Paramount was able to recalibrate and strike box office gold when “Sonic the Hedgehog” was released in theaters earlier this year. And now, hot off the great theatrical run and solid home video release, it appears the studio is ready to get the blue CGI creation back on the big screen ASAP.

Continue reading Paramount Bringing Back ‘Sonic’ Writers & Director For A Sequel at The Playlist.

In the realm of monumental film industry marketing faux pas, it’s hard to think of something recently that rivals Paramount’s “Sonic the Hedgehog” trailer unveiling.

After fan anticipation was seemingly through the roof, people began to be concerned when leaked images showed a hyper-realistic blue hedgehog character that didn’t resemble the video game counterpart in the least. And then, when the trailer hit earlier this year, fans went nuts and were slamming the film all over social media.

Continue reading ‘Sonic The Hedgehog’ Producer Tim Miller Says “Fans Will Be Pleased” With New Character Design at The Playlist.

The internet, and social media, specifically, is a powerful thing. Just by voicing your opinion, with enough supporters, you can make global change. Well, that is if you’re fans of Sonic the Hedgehog and you absolutely despise the way he looks in the first trailer for his live-action film.

It was only a few short weeks ago that the collective mind of the internet revolted against the trailer for Paramount’s “Sonic the Hedgehog” live-action/CGI hybrid film.

Continue reading ‘Sonic The Hedgehog’ Director Confirms Film Will Be Delayed Until 2020 To “Make Sonic Just Right” at The Playlist.

Social media is a powerful tool. Obviously, the medium is great for keeping up with friends and family (or sharing pictures of your latest meal), but it’s also a way for large groups of people to give critiques in a way that celebrities and Hollywood, in general, can track. And when a large fanbase lets a studio know they are not pleased with the direction of a franchise, sometimes that studio will listen. Apparently, Paramount is one of those studios, and “Sonic the Hedgehog” is one of those franchises.

Continue reading ‘Sonic The Hedgehog’ Director Admits Defeat & Promises To Change The Design Of The Character Before Film’s Release at The Playlist.